Please use this identifier to cite or link to this item:
http://hdl.handle.net/11375/26541
Title: | COVID-19 Personal Protective Equipment in the Home: Navigating the Complexity of Donning and Doffing. |
Authors: | Kerley B Tan L Marshall D O'Neill C Bialachowski A Pereira J |
Keywords: | home care;personal protective equipment |
Publication Date: | 15-Feb-2021 |
Abstract: | PURPOSE: The safety of care professionals and patients is paramount while caring for people with infectious diseases, including those with confirmed or suspected severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection and coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). Existing policies and protocols for donning and doffing personal protective equipment (PPE) are primarily for institutional settings such as hospitals, not for home visits for patient care. We describe a protocol for donning and doffing PPE in home settings. METHODS: We used an iterative, rapid-prototyping approach to develop the protocol. A small workgroup created preliminary drafts, drawing on hospital-based protocols and modifying them, while undertaking simulations. Wider input was solicited via 2 webinars; 1 regional (Hamilton, Ontario) with palliative clinicians, and 1 national (Canada) with varying professions. We also consulted a group of infectious disease experts. A "how-to" video accompanies the protocol. RESULTS: Twelve versions of the protocol were produced, with major changes occurring within the first 6 versions. A national webinar mid-development provided further validation and minor modifications. Subsequent versions involved minor changes. The protocol has 4 phases: (1) Preparing, (2) Entering the Home, (3) Leaving the Home, and (4) After the Visit and Reprocessing. In addition to PPE-related equipment, the protocol requires additional materials including 2 pails for transporting supplies, plastic bags, hand sanitizer, disinfectant wipes, and printed easy-to-use checklists. CONCLUSIONS: This protocol addresses gaps in COVID-19-related guidelines, specifically the process of donning and doffing PPE during home visits while supplementing jurisdictional PPE guidelines and protocols. |
URI: | http://hdl.handle.net/11375/26541 |
metadata.dc.identifier.doi: | https://doi.org/10.1370/afm.2667 |
ISSN: | 1544-1709 1544-1717 |
Appears in Collections: | Faculty Publications (via McMaster Experts) |
Files in This Item:
File | Description | Size | Format | |
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COVID-19 Personal Protective Equipment in the Home- Navigating the Complexity of Donning and Doffing .pdf | Published version | 508.51 kB | Adobe PDF | View/Open |
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